DESPITE an incurable illness, she remained steadfast in her work until her sickness got the better of her.
Former assistant to the rector for research and development Dr. Gloria Bernas succumbed to a rare disease, amyloidosis, last May 17 at the UST Hospital. She was 64.
Amyloidosis is a term that includes a group of disorders caused by the abnormal accumulation of particular proteins within the tissues of various organs of the body, which then causes the progressive malfunction of the affected organ.
College of Science Prof. Marilyn Rimando told the Varsitarian that Bernas, also a former dean of the collge of science was even writing two research papers until last month even if she was already very sickly.
“She was dedicated to her work,” said Rimando, Bernas thesis advisee at the UST Graduate School.
UST Research Center for Natural Science director Dr. Maribel Nonato echoed Rimando’s sentiments.
“She was committed to her office. She really tried to put all efforts to deliver,” Nonato said. “She didn’t want people to focus more on her disease rather than on what she could do.”
Silverio Bernas, the husband of the late dean, told the Varsitarian that his wife was diagnosed with the illness in 2002, the same year she was appointed assistant to the rector for research and development.
Bernas was president of the Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and member of the Philippine American Academy of Scientists and Engineers.
Bernas taught Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and at the UST Graduate School.
She was Science dean from 1996-2002. Bernas earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Chemistry from UST in 1962 and 1978. She obtained her doctorate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of the Philippines in 1993.
Science dean Fortunato Sevilla III, colleague of Bernas, said it was during Bernas’ deanship that biochemistry was taught in molecular and microscopic levels, shifting from macroscopic and descriptive approach. She was also responsible for the organization of a program in Applied Physics at the College of Science.
Bernas’ remains were cremated at the Loyola Memorial Park last May 21 after a necrological service at the Arlington Memorial Gardens. Edsel Van D.T. Dura
